Domaine Lafage 2011 Mediterranean Reds

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Domaine Lafage ‘Cuvee Nicolas’ Cotes Catalanes IGP Grenache Noir Vieilles Vignes 2011
  Grenache from France - Other

  Review Date : 05-Aug-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very dark, deep, black-hued purple-red colour, slightly lighter on edge. The bouquet is softly full and voluminous with aromas of rich, ripe dark raspberry fruit with black berry fruit and dark herb notes, lifted with floral and jam elements. Full-bodied, with weight and density, the fruit is a little restrained, but showing fully-ripened dark raspberry Grenache flavours, with a subtle underlay of dark herbs and earth. The mouthfeel is soft and mellow, the fruit sweetness and juiciness melding with the supple tannins, forming a near unctuous flow. The acidity is low, allowing the alcohol power become evident on the back palate. Concentrated flavours of dark fruits linger on the finish. This is a fulsome, soft-textured, ripe and lush Grenache with dark raspberry fruitiness. Serve with hearty pastas, and barbecued and grilled red meat dishes over the next 4-5 years. Grenache Noir from vines 65 y.o., fermented to 15% alc., 20% of the wine aged 10 months in French oak barriques. 18.0-/20 Aug 2013 RRP $20.50
• Domaine Lafage ‘Tessellae’ Old Vines Cotes du Roussillon 2011
  Blended Red from France - Other

  Review Date : 05-Aug-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  A blend of 40% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Grenache Gris, fermented to 14.7% alc., aged 12 months in concrete tanks. ‘Tessellae’ means ‘mosaic’. Very full and even black-hued purple-red colour, near impenetrable. The nose is full with vibrant and aromatic, well-ripened raspberry and dark red berry fruits, pepper, lifted with floral notes and hints of jam, intermingling with whole berry elements. Full-bodied, rich, ripe, luscious and vibrant raspberry fruit flavours are expressed with spices notes and black pepper. There is whole berry fermentation lift, and along with gentle, underlying acidity, the palate has freshness and vitality. The palate is guided by ripe, fine-grained tannins which carry the flavours to a sweet, juicy-jammy finish. This is a full, rich and lusciously vibrant, and aromatic GSM blend with fine textures. Match with roasted red met dishes over the next 5-6 years. 18.5/20 Aug 2013 RRP $21.00
• Chateau Saint Roch ‘Kerbuccio’ Maury Sec AOP 2011
  Blended Red from France - Other

  Review Date : 05-Aug-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Near saturated black-hued purple-red colour. This has a full, voluminous and concentrated nose of ripe, dark red berry fruits, plums and dark raspberries, along with a complex, garrigue-herbal underlay, seamlessly integrated and complete. Full-bodied, rich and powerfully concentrated flavours of ripe, dark red and black fruits are entwined with herbal interest. The palate is one of richness, power and warmth, the alcohol noticeable. The fruit sweetness is supported by considerable extract, the tannins very fine-grained and ripe, and underlying acidity. This has excellent linear drive, leading to a dense and concentrated finish. This is a full-bodied, warm and richly flavoured Mediterranean red with complex herb interest and proper structure. Serve with slow-cooked game meat dishes over the next 5-7 years. A blend of 30% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah and 30% Mourvedre, from old vines, fermented to 15.0% alc., the wine aged 8 months in vat. 18.5+/20 Aug 2013 RRP $38.00